A male nurse is assigned to care for a female client who was admitted to the hospital for treatment of injuries following a domestic abuse incident. The client tells the nurse manager she does not want a male nurse as her caregiver. Which of the following nursing responses should the nurse manager make?

A. A pretreatment electroencephalogram (EEG) will be done.

An EEG is not typically necessary when starting valproate for bipolar disorder. EEGs are more commonly used to assess brain activity in the context of epilepsy.

B. High serum sodium levels can cause toxic levels of valproate.

Sodium levels are not directly related to the toxic levels of valproate. The primary concern with valproate is its impact on liver function and potential for hepatotoxicity.

C. Liver function tests must be monitored.

Explanation: Valproate is an antiepileptic and mood-stabilizing medication commonly used to treat bipolar disorder. One of the potential side effects of valproate is hepatotoxicity (liver damage). Therefore, monitoring liver function tests (such as serum transaminases) is important to assess the medication's impact on the liver and to ensure the client's safety.

D. Thyroid function tests should be performed every 6 months.

While thyroid function tests might be important for some medications, monitoring thyroid function is not a primary consideration when using valproate. The main focus with valproate is on liver function monitoring.

A. Discuss the problem in a community meeting with the other clients on the unit present.

While open communication and community meetings can be valuable in certain situations, discussing a client's disruptive behavior in front of others may breach their privacy and dignity. It's important to address such matters privately and respectfully.

B. Escort the client to her room each time the nurse observes the client socializing with other clients.

This action might be seen as overly punitive and restrictive. Isolating the client based on their behavior without addressing the underlying issues doesn't promote a therapeutic approach to the situation.

C. Talk to the client and identify the specific limits that are required of the client's behavior.

This is the correct option. Talking to the client directly allows the nurse to address the behavior, express expectations, and set clear boundaries. This approach promotes open communication and gives the client a chance to understand how their actions are affecting others.

D. Tell the other clients to ignore the client's lies.

While it's important to encourage other clients to manage their reactions to disruptive behavior, simply telling them to ignore lies might not address the root cause of the issue. The nurse should aim to address the behavior itself and create an environment where all clients feel respected and safe.